How to Ship Breast Milk
Amidst the devastation of the LA fires, we are in the process of collecting donor milk which we will freeze-dry at no cost to be distributed to those who lost their milk. We received an outpouring of support and generous donations, but it will take a few weeks for us to collect the milk, process it and get it to recipients. In the meantime, we also decided to put together a helpful guide for those wishing to ship their frozen breastmilk directly to people in need.
If you are looking for freeze-dried donor breastmilk, please email us at help@mothership-milk.com and we will add you to our recipient list. If you are looking to donate breastmilk, please comment on this post so those looking can find you https://www.instagram.com/mothership_milk/p/DEpw_yRJmmN/
1. Use a Sturdy Insulated Box
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Choose an insulated box designed to withstand freezing and thawing. We like these ones as these boxes are specially constructed to maintain temperature and prevent damage during transit: https://www.polar-tech.com/shop/item/248%2Ft38c/
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The box should also be sturdy enough to protect the milk from external impacts or leaks.
2. Use Gel Packs to Keep Your Milk Frozen.
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Use gel packs to keep your milk frozen in transit. We suggest “ice blanket” style ones, as they are lightweight, malleable and you can cut them to adjust their size to fit your shipping cooler.
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If you’re using gel packs, ensure they are frozen solid before packing your milk. Line all 6 sides of the insulated cooler with the gel packs. We like these ones: https://www.amazon.com/Cryopak-Flexible-Ice-Blanket-11-66-Inch/dp/B000W3XJ2Q
3. Pack the Milk Tightly
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Arrange the breast milk storage bags or containers snugly to minimize movement during transit. Empty spaces may compromise the insulation, so if you have a lot of extra room in the cooler, you might consider freezing water in plastic bags to further fill the space or add extra gel packs.
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Once your milk is packed, add additional gel packs on top and close the box. Ensure the box is sealed tightly.
4. Label the Package
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Clearly label the package as containing “frozen breast milk” and indicate that it is perishable.
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Adding stickers or notes such as “Handle with Care” or “Time-Sensitive” can further emphasize the importance of proper handling.
5. Ship Overnight
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Use a reliable courier service such as UPS.
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Opt for overnight shipping to keep the breast milk frozen and minimize time in transit. Quick delivery is key to preserving its quality.
6. Consider Timing Carefully
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Plan your shipment early in the week, preferably on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Avoid shipping on Thursdays or Fridays to reduce the risk of weekend delays or increased costs.
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Be mindful of holidays, which can also affect delivery schedules.
- Pack your milk right before you drop it off for shipping, ideally as close to your courier’s last air shipment of the day (this info will be available on your respective store’s website).
7. Provide Tracking Information to the Recipient
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Share the tracking details with the recipient so they can monitor the package and prepare to receive it promptly.
For additional tips and tricks, please see the following resources:
Mothership Milk How-to video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwIOX1iAxKi/
Our Shipping Instructions: https://mothership-milk.com/pages/shipping